The fleshy side of the face below the eye, forming the side wall of the mouth.
Structure
The cheek’s framework is the zygomatic bone and the lower jaw. Skin and a layer of subcutaneous fat cover the buccinator muscle, the parotid duct, and branches of the facial nerve.
Function
The buccinator presses food back between the teeth during chewing and helps with blowing. The skin and fat provide cushioning and contribute to the face’s recognizable contour.
Clinical note
The parotid duct opens into the mouth through the inside of the cheek opposite the upper second molar.
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Cheek starts with C and ends with K. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
Body Parts that contain a letter from "Cheek":